Broken tentacles and floppy ear infections

A visit to the doctor is often associated with unpleasant feelings for children. Unfamiliar rooms, strange people, not really knowing what to expect. This can be overwhelming and cause anxiety.

To alleviate these fears, students at Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) have created the Teddy Bear Hospital and today it was time again: the event hall was transformed into a clinic with a registration desk, a waiting room, examination rooms and an operating theatre. More than 150 children were able to independently familiarise themselves with the procedures in a hospital and have their cuddly toys treated. They were able to ask questions, describe the complaints of the "patients" and even assist with the treatment.

Students organise the day on a voluntary basis

They were also able to have the dental health of their protégés examined. A horse helped explain how to brush their teeth properly. Psychology students also used various teddy bears to show the children how to name and express emotions.

A total of 50 students volunteered to help on the day. The event was organised by Zoe Drücker, among others: "Many children have already had bad experiences during an examination. If you tell the child that taking blood doesn't hurt, but then it pricks and still hurts, the child's trust is broken. This creates anxiety. We want to give the children a positive and fear-free experience through our work."

This day is also very valuable and instructive for the students, as it gives them the opportunity to practise working with small children and gain experience for their future working life.

Background to the Teddy Clinic

Due to the high demand, the Teddy Bear Hospital now takes place every six months. The next date is planned for spring 2024. The format is designed to playfully show kindergarten children between the ages of three and six all the elements of a visit to a doctor's surgery or clinic so that they can gain their first, fear-free experience of medical and dental treatment. It is also very important to teach them how to brush their teeth thoroughly and to sensitise them to the importance of a healthy diet and sufficient exercise.

For the medical students, in turn, it is a good opportunity to practise working with children and prepare for their future appointments. The Teddy Clinic is free of charge and is financed by donations. As soon as the next date has been set, the kindergartens will be informed by e-mail.